Protect your pet rabbits ahead of 2 March wild rabbit control program

A wild rabbit control program is set to take place across Greater Sydney Local Government Areas, including the Central Coast, on 2 March 2026.

Led by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Central Coast Council is participating in the program to release the Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease Virus (RHDV1-K5) — also known as Calicivirus — at seven locations on the Central Coast: Bush Street Reserve-Norah Head, Karagi Point, Shelly Beach, Umina Beach, Davistown Foreshore, Wadalba Sporting Complex and Ourimbah Football Club.

Wild rabbits are Australia’s most destructive agricultural pest, causing severe competition for resources and land degradation. They are recognised as a key threat to Australian native animals, plants and endangered ecological communities.

RHDV1-K5 has been used for wild rabbit control since 2017. It is species-specific, affecting only rabbits and posing no risk to native wildlife or other pets.

As RHDV1-K5 can also affect pet rabbits, Council strongly advises domestic pet rabbit owners to vaccinate their pet rabbits by 28 February 2026 for the best protection against the virus. Pet rabbit owners should also take extra precautions, including maintaining good hygiene, providing mosquito-proof housing and preventing contact with other wild rabbits.

For further information on the RHDV1-K5 release contact Greater Sydney Local Land Services on (02) 4724 2100

Landholders and community members can report sightings of rabbits or evidence of disease through the Rabbit Scan online portal www.rabbitscan.org.au

ENDS